The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has once again reiterated his unwavering commitment to the full and accelerated implementation of the newly approved National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy. This policy, which has been heralded as a key part of the Federal Government’s economic growth strategy, is set to revolutionize the maritime sector in Nigeria and elevate its contribution to the nation’s GDP.
In a statement released by the Ministry, Oyetola urged senior officials and agency heads within the Ministry to demonstrate effective leadership, promote inter-agency collaboration, and achieve measurable performance outcomes. He emphasized that the implementation of the national policy is not just an administrative task but a crucial part of repositioning Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy for sustainable growth.
During a high-level retreat attended by ministry officials and stakeholders, Oyetola described the gathering as a “defining moment for reflection, realignment, and purposeful engagement.” The retreat was aimed at evaluating the current state of the sector and realigning strategies to meet the nation’s expectations. The Minister stressed that this was not a routine meeting, but rather an opportunity to critically assess the direction of the maritime sector and set the stage for impactful transformation.
Oyetola highlighted that the marine and blue economy sector has been central to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, marking the maritime sector as a pivotal part of the country’s economic growth strategy. The Minister pointed to various ongoing projects that are poised to bring about transformative changes, including the modernization of port infrastructure, increased maritime security, aquaculture and fisheries development, as well as the implementation of the much-awaited disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund.
A major milestone in this transformation process is the recent approval of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council. According to Oyetola, this approval represents a foundational achievement that will guide the sector’s long-term growth and sustainability. With the focus now shifting to the policy’s implementation phase, Oyetola called on the Ministry and its agencies to fully internalize the policy’s strategic priorities and translate them into actionable programs that will bring measurable results.
He stressed the importance of disciplined execution, which must be anchored on coordination, transparency, technology adoption, environmental stewardship, and institutional accountability. Oyetola made it clear that the retreat’s performance bonds are not symbolic but serve as a serious commitment to deliver concrete, time-bound outcomes that will benefit the sector and the nation at large.
The minister outlined several key objectives for the marine and blue economy, including the expansion of job creation, increased port throughput, enhanced regulatory compliance, and the mobilization of revenue. He also mentioned the sector’s potential to significantly contribute to the national economy, with expectations for substantial growth in the coming years. According to Oyetola, successful implementation of the policy will ensure that Nigeria becomes a major player in global maritime trade.
Moreover, Oyetola emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s bid for a Category C seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council. He described this as a “strategic national objective,” with the Ministry at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to enhance Nigeria’s international standing in the maritime sector. The Minister urged every agency within the Ministry to play an active role in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to secure this important position.
Oyetola’s call to action is clear: the full implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy is crucial for Nigeria’s growth and sustainability. The policy is designed to harness the full potential of Nigeria’s vast maritime resources, from fisheries to shipping and logistics. With this, the country stands to benefit not only from increased economic output but also from the creation of thousands of jobs in key sectors such as shipping, logistics, and marine engineering.
As Nigeria continues to seek a prominent position in the global maritime community, the role of the Ministry and its agencies cannot be overstated. The success of this ambitious policy will depend on the collective effort of all stakeholders, including government officials, maritime professionals, and private sector players.
The National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy offers a transformative blueprint for the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector. With Adegboyega Oyetola at the helm, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is poised to lead Nigeria into a new era of maritime excellence. The commitment to policy implementation, backed by concrete actions and strategic collaborations, signals a bright future for the sector, with the potential for significant economic growth, job creation, and enhanced global influence.
As Nigeria continues to develop its blue economy, all eyes will be on Oyetola and his team to deliver on the promises of the policy, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the country’s maritime sector.